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Managing HemophiliaDo The 5!1

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If hemophilia affects your life, you've probably heard the expression   “Do the 5!” And you may know that it's about preventing or reducing complications of hemophilia. But do you know about the important role each of the “5” plays in helping people with hemophilia stay healthy?

What Is “Do The 5!”?

“Do the 5!” – the theme of the National Prevention Program (NPP) – is a simple, helpful way to remember some of the most important things people with hemophilia can do to take care of themselves.

“Do the 5!” is a collaborative effort by the National Hemophilia Foundation (NHF), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), treatment centers and members of the bleeding disorders community.

What Are The “5”?

Get An Annual, Comprehensive Checkup At A Hemophilia Treatment Center.

There, hemophilia patients will have access to a team of healthcare professionals specializing in hemophilia, including hematologists, orthopedists, nurses, social workers, and physical therapists, all working together to help.

Get Vaccinated.

Hepatitis A and B are preventable. Both are viral infections of the liver which can have serious complications for patients with hemophilia. Fortunately, hepatitis A and B can be prevented through vaccination. The CDC and the Medical and Scientific Advisory Council (MASAC) of NHF recommend vaccination for hepatitis A for all children with hemophilia 1 year of age and older, and vaccination for hepatitis B for any patient with hemophilia as early as at birth.2

Treat Bleeds Early And Adequately.

If you are living with hemophilia, there are several ways to be prepared for managing bleeds. First, learn to recognize the early signs of a bleed, and learn to recognize which bleeds may be serious. Second, be prepared by having factor readily available at all times. Whether you infuse it yourself or take it with you to the Emergency Room, you can save valuable time.

Exercise And Maintain A Healthy Weight To Protect Joints.

Exercise strengthens bones and muscles, and strong muscles protect joints. If you have hemophilia or are providing care for someone who does, talk to your physician or hemophilia treatment center about the type of exercise program that is appropriate.

Get Tested Regularly For Bloodborne Infections.

It's important for people with hemophilia to be tested regularly for bloodborne infections, as there may be potential risks for viral transmission due to use of plasma-derived therapies. There have been no confirmed reports of viral transmission with plasma derived factor VIII products currently marketed in the United States.

Regular testing not only protects patients, but also could help the medical community identify and address any issues that may occur. Free testing is now available through the CDC’s Universal Data Collection (UDC) program, offered through your hemophilia treatment center.

Help With Making It Happen

As you read about “Do the 5!” you probably noticed references to two resources   Treatment Centers and the Universal Data Collection program. Both of these resources can make doing the “5” easier.

Treatment Centers – For over 25 years, hemophilia treatment centers have been helping patients and families living with hemophilia. Treatment centers are staffed by physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals who specialize in helping hemophilia patients and families. Learn more about treatment centers or locate the treatment center nearest you.

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Universal Data Collection (UDC)3 – UDC is a voluntary program, conducted by treatment centers, that improves the health of people with bleeding disorders by monitoring and developing prevention strategies for two major health complications of bleeding disorders – bloodborne diseases and joint disease. During annual visits to your treatment center, you will be asked to provide a blood sample, have joint measurements taken, and provide basic information about your health. The sample and information will be sent to the CDC without your name or other identifying information. Through your treatment center, you will receive results of tests conducted on the blood sample. To learn more about the UDC, visit the CDC website or talk to your treatment center.

To learn more about the NHF National Prevention Program, visit the NHF website at http://www.hemophilia.org.

Note: ThereForYou.com does not recommend a particular treatment for specific individuals and recommends that you consult your treatment center or physician before pursuing any course of treatment.

Note: Links to external Websites are provided for your convenience. However, they lead to Websites not created, managed, or maintained by Baxter Healthcare Corporation. Baxter is not responsible for, and does not necessarily endorse, the opinions or therapeutics represented on these external pages.

References

  1. NHF National Prevention Program: How Young People with Hemophilia Do the Five. The National Hemophilia Foundation website. http://www.hemophilia.org/NHFWeb/Resource/StaticPages/menu0/menu8/menu125/JanFeb02.pdf. Accessed June 8, 2011.
  2. MASAC Recommendations Concerning Products Licensed for the Treatment of Hemophilia and Other Bleeding Disorders. The National Hemophilia Foundation website. http://www.hemophilia.org/NHFWeb/MainPgs/MainNHF.aspx?menuid=57&contentid=693. Accessed June 8, 2011.
  3. Hilton L. A model of care. The National Hemophilia Foundation website. http://www.hemophilia.org/NHFWeb/Resource/StaticPages/menu0/menu8/menu125/aModelOfCare_6_06.pdf. Accessed June 8, 2011.